Read Online Summer's Night by Cheyenne Meadows - Free Book Online

they were interrupted as he'd lost all track of time, boundaries, and his intent to move things along slowly so as not to overwhelm her and potentially throw a monkey wrench in their budding relationship. Taking a few deep breaths, he watched Summer pet the large fluffy animal, unable to wipe the smile from his face as he spied her decidedly pink cheeks. Good to know she was just as affected as he.
    "I better get going, anyway. Mother will be wondering where I've gotten off to."
    "Oh. Okay." She looked up at him with a sultry expression that nearly had him wrapping her up in his arms and plundering that delicious mouth of hers once more.
    Steeling himself, he stepped back, hoping distance would cool down his ardor.
    She blinked, then spun back to the table. "Take the remainder of the chili with you. She won't have to cook." As she spoke, she plucked the lid off the stove, setting it on top of the large round pan. "It's still hot, so take some pot holders, too." Yanking a couple out of a drawer, she wrapped them around the handle, making sure to keep the large one on the underside of the metal.
    Night easily accepted the burden, placing his hand under the large pad. "Thanks. I'm sure she'll love it."
    Summer herded him to the front door, opening it wide until he passed through. She followed along, tugging the passenger door of his truck open so he could set the hot pan in the floorboard.
    He stood up, peering into Summer's round face, noting her slightly swollen lips. Unable to resist, he covered his mouth over hers once more, this time a sweet, chaste kiss that ended before either of them could get carried away. "Thanks for the food."
    "Thanks for all the help. And for…" She waved her hand encompassing the whole area. "For everything." She grinned up at him. "Perhaps we can… do something… soon?"
    "I would like that."
    Her toes kicked at the dirt. "Night?"
    "Hmm?"
    "I… I… really like you."
    His heart fluttered with her declaration and a wide grin crossed his face. "Ditto." She appeared to sigh in relief, her stained cheeks brightening as she met his gaze. The coloring only added to her beauty. As much as he wanted to kiss her senseless, he held himself in check. They needed time and patience to learn one another. Good thing he possessed more than his fair share of patience, even if it meant more cold showers in his near future. Summer was worth it.
    He strode around the truck, climbed in, and drove off with a crisp wave.
    Already his mind worked on excuses to visit her again, have more time to chat with her, tease her, and pursue their physical attraction for one another.

Chapter 10

    Gary knocked on the door to a modest house complete with tan siding.
    He'd spent the night on the computer searching for Felina Kensington before finally making a hit. As soon as the rental car agency opened, he stood at their door, getting a car for a small road trip. That placed him at the old woman's doorstep firmly at nine am.
    A young blonde woman with blue eyes opened the door, a squalling baby perched on her hip. "Can I help you?"
    He blinked, looking up to double check the address. Verifying the numbers, he focused on the woman. What in the hell? He expected an old woman, not a young trick complete with screaming kid. "I'm looking for Felina Kensington."
    "She moved out a year ago. I bought the house from her."
    His lungs seized in near panic. He'd spent the past precious twenty-four hours of his three days searching for this woman only to come to a dead end. If he didn't get his hands on a lot of money soon, he'd end up floating face down in a river. A sudden idea struck. "Can you tell me where she moved to?"
    She looked up at him, indecision apparent in her face. She bounced the baby a couple of times, the motion doing nothing to stop the crying.
    Frantically, he searched for a logical reason to sway the girl into confessing what she knew. He lowered his voice to an appropriate solemn level and gave her a sad smile. "I really